THE INSIDER AUTHORITY ON GATOR SPORTS

Washington Redskins Draft Jordan Reed

Jordan Reed became the fourth former Gator drafted when the Washington Redskins selected him with the No. 85 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Recruited by Urban Meyer as a high school quarterback, Reed has only played tight end on a full-time basis for two seasons. He is still learning and growing in the position but has a very high ceiling.

Reed drew comparisons to Aaron Hernandez throughout the draft process. Like Hernandez, Reed is an athletic pass-catcher who can create mismatches for opposing defenses. Unlike Hernandez, Reed won’t have the luxury of Tom Brady throwing him passes or Rob Gronkowski demanding the attention of opposing defenses. Hernandez was also a more polished blocker coming out of Florida.

Reed is a very raw prospect who needs to develop as a blocker. Reed struggled blocking defensive ends and linebacker at the college level and will have his hands full trying to block players at the next level.

Reed led the Gators in receptions last season with 45 and in receiving yards with 559 on his way to being named to the All-SEC second team.

As the NFL evolves into a pass-happy league there will always be a spot for athletic, pass-catching tight ends. If Reed can develop into a more reliable blocker, he should enjoy a long NFL career and can become a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

About Nick de la Torre

A South Florida native, Nick developed a passion for all things sports at a very young age. His love for baseball was solidified when he saw Al Leiter’s no-hitter for the Marlins live in May of 1996. He was able to play baseball in college but quickly realized there isn’t much of a market for short, slow outfielders that hit around the Mendoza line. Wanting to continue with sports in some capacity he studied journalism at the University of Central Florida. Nick got his first start in the business as an intern for a website covering all things related to the NFL draft before spending two seasons covering the Florida football team at Bleacher Report. That job led him to GatorCountry. When he isn’t covering Gator sports, Nick enjoys hitting way too many shots on the golf course, attempting to keep up with his favorite t.v. shows and watching the Heat, Dolphins and Marlins. Follow him on twitter @NickdelatorreGC

Jordan Reed became the fourth former Gator drafted when the Washington Redskins selected him with the No. 85 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Recruited by Urban Meyer as a high school quarterback, Reed has only played tight end on a full-time basis for two seasons. He is still learning and growing in the position but has a very high ceiling.

Reed drew comparisons to Aaron Hernandez throughout the draft process. Like Hernandez, Reed is an athletic pass-catcher who can create mismatches for opposing defenses. Unlike Hernandez, Reed won’t have the luxury of Tom Brady throwing him passes or Rob Gronkowski demanding the attention of opposing defenses. Hernandez was also a more polished blocker coming out of Florida.

Reed is a very raw prospect who needs to develop as a blocker. Reed struggled blocking defensive ends and linebacker at the college level and will have his hands full trying to block players at the next level.

Reed led the Gators in receptions last season with 45 and in receiving yards with 559 on his way to being named to the All-SEC second team.

As the NFL evolves into a pass-happy league there will always be a spot for athletic, pass-catching tight ends. If Reed can develop into a more reliable blocker, he should enjoy a long NFL career and can become a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

Nick de la TorreNickde la Torrenick@gatorcountry.comAuthorA South Florida native, Nick developed a passion for all things sports at a very young age. His love for baseball was solidified when he saw Al Leiter’s no-hitter for the Marlins live in May of 1996. He was able to play baseball in college but quickly realized there isn’t much of a market for short, slow outfielders that hit around the Mendoza line. Wanting to continue with sports in some capacity he studied journalism at the University of Central Florida. Nick got his first start in the business as an intern for a website covering all things related to the NFL draft before spending two seasons covering the Florida football team at Bleacher Report. That job led him to GatorCountry. When he isn’t covering Gator sports, Nick enjoys hitting way too many shots on the golf course, attempting to keep up with his favorite t.v. shows and watching the Heat, Dolphins and Marlins. Follow him on twitter @NickdelatorreGCGatorCountry.com